Not Made Here: Consumers Push Back on Misleading 'Made in USA' Ads
Shoppers say they feel deceived when brands promote “Made in USA” claims, only to deliver products from overseas—and they’re not staying silent.
A rising number of lawsuits are being filed against brands accused of misleading consumers about where their products are made. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Kazerouni Law Group alone has filed 10 class actions so far this year, challenging claims that goods were made in America. These legal moves are gaining traction, but consumers have already taken matters into their own hands by going public with their frustration.
In their online reviews, shoppers point out when a product doesn't match the marketing message. They describe delays, poor quality, and what they see as a lack of honesty.
One shopper wrote in a review about CozzyHomes:
“I thought this was an American company, as they seem to hint at online. [...] Then shows how long to come from China... there is the reason you sell these products at such great prices—Chinese labor!!”
Another customer shared a similar experience after ordering a duvet cover:
“First of all, they are not American made as advertised, they come from China. [...] When I finally got the order... it was a child size crib duvet! DO NOT ORDER FROM THEM!”
For some, the issue isn’t only where the product came from, but the lack of transparency around it. A Baerskin Hoodie customer recalled:
“They advertised like their product was American made. This stuff is coming over on a slow boat from China. Literally!!”
Others report finding out only after the fact, when checking shipping details, return policies, or customer service contacts. One KeppalCom buyer was direct:
“The quality was poor, and pricing too high; this was not made in America as stated.”
Another customer voiced their frustration over false advertising, stating they would spread negative word-of-mouth:
“Claims products are made in USA and was shipped from China... I will tell everyone I know not to ever order from this company.”
The common thread in these complaints is not just disappointment with the product itself, but with the trust that consumers feel has been broken. Many state that they would not order from the company again. Some say they will report the business to consumer protection agencies, and others mention spreading the word on social media.
False country-of-origin claims don’t just frustrate people, they influence their decisions. As one reviewer put it:
“Advertise MADE IN USA on some products, and after researching, I found products are made in China. This company is selling products to customers and lying about manufacturing. [...] Ecklers deserves bad reviews.”
For brands, the message is clear: consumers notice the details. And when the origin story doesn’t match the label, they speak up.